VC urges support of alumni association

The Vice-Chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Prof Femi Mimiko, has urged the national executive officers of the institution’s alumni association to focus on mobilising members for unity and progress of the school.

The VC enjoined members of the executive to complement the efforts of his administration in making the institution a world-class ivory tower, saying he would welcome any idea from members of the alumni body towards uplifting the school.

Prof Mimiko spoke last Saturday while inaugurating the national officers recently elected during a two-day delegates’ conference of the alumni association.

The VC said: “As members of a functional alumni association, you are expected to continuously mobilise graduates of the university into your fold, foster bonding, unity and cooperation among every member. Your action and activities should support the university administration at all times, not just with finances and resources, but also contacts. Your action must project the school in good light.”

The VC recalled that the alumni body was disorganised a few years ago, saying: “We quickly disbanded the rickety platform that was in place and started to constitute a functional body.”

In his address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Director of the University Advancement Office (UAO), Prof Francis Oyebade, noted that alumni relation was part of the mandate given to the UAO, praising the VC for ensuring stabilisation of the alumni association.

Oyebade hailed members of the association for their commitment, while thanking the keynote speaker at the conference, Mr Olusegun Esho, for honouring the invitation.

The conference, which has its delegates drawn from the five existing chapters of the association, was held in the university’s Multipurpose Hall.

Oluyide, in his acceptance speech, praised Prof Mimiko for showing interest and commitment to the alumni association. He promised the association would work with the management to enhance change and development of school.